Chapter 36 I'll Teach You How to Pursue a Girl "I won't allow anyone to say..."

Mu Chuan remained silent, looking at the emperor.

The emperor seemed encouraged and said with a smile, "I remember he once sent me cloud cakes."

This sounds familiar... Oh, Miss Lin said that if it's not cooked well, it won't taste good, and it won't taste good if it's left out for too long.

"It's not tasty." The emperor shook his head. "It's dry, hard, and choking. I had to drink a whole cup of tea to get it down."

Mu Chuan was completely speechless. What could he possibly say? He couldn't very well say that he felt sorry for the emperor.

But I still have to say, Mu Chuan said with a smile, “Miss Lin doesn’t like this. When I asked her what kind of dessert she wanted, she specifically said: ‘No cloud cake, anything else is fine.’”

The emperor seemed to recall something, his expression changed slightly, and he changed the subject: "If you like sweet things, then you like sweet things. Last time you said your mother's zha jiang mian (noodles with soybean paste) was amazing, but I seem to remember that zha jiang mian has sweet bean sauce in it?"

Mu Chuan was clearly stunned, but in short, he needed the emperor to catch him in his guilty conscience: "That's different."

The emperor laughed loudly: "Aren't they all sweet?"

"Then I'll treat her to noodles with soybean paste next time," Mu Chuan sighed.

"No," the emperor quickly stopped him. "You can't serve this to a young lady. It's not refined enough, and it would be impolite for her to eat it. When you invite a young lady to dinner, you can't make her behave improperly. You can't serve her fish with bones, food that's too spicy or stimulating, strong-smelling food, or food that's too big. One bite is just right, and it has to be a small bite."

The emperor shared many of the experiences he had gained from the concubines in the harem, and added, "When giving gifts, you can't just choose the most expensive ones; you have to give them something with a story behind it."

Mu Chuan thanked the emperor for his instruction and asked, "Your Majesty, when instructing your minister, it would be best to give an example."

"You're trying to get things from me in a roundabout way. Quan Furen, go and bring me that glass cup."

Soon, a young eunuch followed behind Eunuch Quan, carrying a tray with a glass cup slightly larger than a teacup on it.

Colorful, crystal clear, and dazzlingly beautiful, it is truly a peerless treasure.

Upon seeing this, Mu Chuan knew what the emperor wanted to say. He casually remarked, "If it had been this that Sha Wujing broke back then, I think it would have been normal for the Jade Emperor to punish him by sending him to the mortal realm."

The emperor laughed loudly: "I knew you and I were of one mind! Quickly, put this glass cup away properly, so I don't see it and it will break my heart."

He then instructed Mu Chuan: "Give this to Miss Lin, and you can casually tell her the story of 'Journey to the West,' and you'll start a conversation, won't you?"

"On behalf of Miss Lin, I thank Your Majesty for your generous gift."

The emperor earnestly advised Mu Chuan: "Although you are not twenty-seven years old, twenty-five years old is not considered very young either. You should still hurry up."

Mu Chuan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, with Your Majesty's help, Miss Lin will surely like me."

The emperor felt a pang of guilt for discussing private matters so passionately in the imperial study, so he tried to make amends by bringing up official business.

Have you ever been to the North Camp?

Mu Chuan nodded: "I have reviewed it. Lord Ning is a very cheerful person. However, I still left a few people to check the accounts. I am hosting a banquet at my home on the 18th and also intend to invite Lord Ning."

The emperor was relieved to hear this: "Ning Xinlu is not particularly outstanding, but he is also not a big culprit. He is honest and straightforward, though a bit slow... otherwise I would not have let him retire to his hometown."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, everything is fine in the Northern Camp. Lord Ning has been dutiful and has not made any mistakes."

"You are also a general in Pingnan Garrison, with more soldiers under your command than in the Northern Camp, so I am not worried about that. However, being a general in the Capital Garrison is not quite the same as being in Pingnan Garrison. In some areas you can be better than the other camps, but in other areas you have to be just like everyone else."

The emperor gave a subtle hint, implying that it was already quite an achievement to have come this far, and the eunuch Quan beside him had already started coughing.

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. I will certainly do my duty and serve the court faithfully!"

"No need to be so serious," the emperor said again. "There are many sacrifices around the Lunar New Year, and soldiers from the Beijing Garrison will be called in to guard the area. However, since you have just taken over the military camp, I have instructed them not to call you in for the next few months."

The emperor thought for a moment about what other opportunities there might be and said, "There will be dragon boat races as usual next year for the Dragon Boat Festival. Every government office in the capital will have to send a boat, and the Northern Army will do the same. There will be winners and losers in this race. I'm telling you now, you have to at least finish in the top three. After that, I can arrange some other tasks for you."

Mu Chuan liked this very much. To be a favored minister, one not only had to be eloquent but also capable. He struck a pose, showing off his muscles to the emperor, his armor clanging loudly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will absolutely not lose."

The emperor laughed and said, "You should learn to swim first. Don't fall into the water later and I'll have to call people to rescue you. With your physique, even five people might not be enough. Besides, you alone aren't enough. A dragon boat needs a drummer, a helmsman, and ten paddlers. You'll have to choose your people."

At 3:45 PM, Lin Daiyu woke up, got up and drank a cup of tea, feeling a little hungry—but not hungry at all.

"Xueyan, bring another hawthorn pill." After saying that, she instructed Zijuan, "Change to Ophiopogon japonicus and hawthorn tea for the next two days."

After changing her clothes, Lin Daiyu put on the fur vest with paddy field patterns that she had just received that day, hugged her hand warmer, and walked around the courtyard twice.

"Go tell the old lady that I don't have a good appetite today, so I won't be having dinner."

Lin Daiyu stood under the eaves, squinting at the warm orange sunset. How could she have disliked basking in the sun before?

It feels so warm when the sun shines on you.

She strolled around the yard slowly for a couple of minutes until the sun was setting under the eaves before returning to her room.

"Bring some hot water for washing up." Lin Daiyu yawned, "Why am I sleepy again?"

The sun had just set when Lin Daiyu went back to bed and fell asleep.

Zijuan was a little worried and said to Xueyan, "Is Miss tired today? She doesn't usually sleep this much."

Xueyan smiled and said, "Miss usually doesn't sleep much. She either goes to bed at midnight or wakes up after only an hour. She's been getting better lately. She's probably catching up on sleep right now, so let's not disturb her."

Zijuan sighed. She felt that Xueyan's words made some sense, but she still couldn't stop worrying.

The next morning, just as dawn broke, Lin Daiyu woke up, feeling refreshed and relaxed, something she hadn't experienced in a long time.

I didn't eat dinner last night, and then I ate two large hawthorn pills, so my stomach is a little sore from hunger.

So this is what it feels like to be hungry... Thinking about it this way, my third brother is really pitiful.

Lin Daiyu laughed as she called out, "Zijuan, go and get breakfast early."

Hearing the greeting, Zijuan came in from outside and said, "Miss, you're awake? Yesterday afternoon, the Second Miss, Third Miss, and Fourth Miss came to see you, but they didn't come in because you were asleep. From what they were saying, they said they were going to have breakfast in the Old Madam's room today."

Lin Daiyu threw off the covers and sat up: "Then I'll go too, and I'll wear that new vest."

Before long, Lin Daiyu finished washing and dressing and went to Grandmother Jia's room.

They were still tidying up inside, and Sanchun was already sitting in the small side room waiting.

Seeing her approach, her face was rosy and she had a smile on her lips. Tan Chun said, "I went to see you yesterday—are these new clothes from Uncle Zhongyong again? They're really nice." Tan Chun touched them and said, "The fur is thick, fine, and long; it even buried my hand in it."

Xichun rarely praised it, saying, "The paddy field pattern is nice, I like the paddy field pattern. It's just that I'm short, and wearing thick clothes makes me look bulky. I'll ask them to make me a single-layer shirt to wear with a skirt when spring comes."

Both sisters spoke, and Yingchun chimed in with a compliment: "It is indeed warm."

Lin Daiyu also sat down to the side, and Tan Chun continued, "I went to see you yesterday, and I didn't expect that you, such a delicate young lady, would snore so loudly."

Lin Daiyu was stunned, her face immediately turning red with embarrassment. She quickly covered half of her face with her hand, saying, "Impossible, how could I—"

Yingchun felt this emotion even more acutely than Lin Daiyu, and she quickly said, "Don't listen to her nonsense, it's not true."

Xichun nodded: "I can vouch for it, the voice wasn't loud. It was definitely quieter than when we talk, you had to be completely still to hear it."

"You're playing tricks on me!" Lin Daiyu lunged forward, but Yingchun was standing between her and Tanchun, making it difficult for her to make a move.

It's unclear who scratched whom, but quite a few people caused trouble, and Yingchun still had to defend herself: "I'm telling the truth."

The four sisters burst into laughter, when Jia Baoyu's voice came from outside again: "Hey, what are you four doing? You're telling jokes without telling me!"

After all, they were all of marriageable age, so they quickly sat up straight, looked at each other, and tidied their hair.

Jia Baoyu was a little sad and was about to speak when Xue Baochai and Shi Xiangyun arrived: "We could hear the laughter coming from far away. They are like four little magpies. Grandmother will be very happy to hear them."

The way she put it made it sound a bit off, as if she was deliberately trying to please the old lady.

"Sister Bao, Sister Xiangyun," Jia Baoyu greeted them, and the three sisters and Lin Daiyu also called her Sister Bao.

After everyone had greeted her, Xue Baochai spoke again: "Pin'er, this vest is really nice, but since it's almost the New Year, you should wear something more festive. This is too plain."

Yesterday, Lin Daiyu mocked Mu Chuan, a first-class earl, a powerful second-rank military officer, a confidant of the two emperors, and her third brother, for not daring to eat sweets. What does Xue Baochai mean by this?

It's nothing.

She tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear and pouted, saying, "Sister Bao, please stop talking about plainness. I remember not long after we moved into the Grand View Garden, the Old Ancestress came to tour the garden with her entourage, and Sister Bao's room was so plain that no one dared to speak. If it weren't for Aunt Xue saying every now and then, 'Our Bao girl doesn't like flowers and powder,' I would have thought you were trying to trick my grandmother into giving you things to fill your house."

How can she say anything like that!

Xue Baochai's smile was almost gone; as the saying goes, "Pin'er's mouth"—saying it out loud seemed to fuel her arrogance.

But Lin Daiyu hadn't finished speaking: "Take another look at this." She gently tugged at the hem of her vest: "Fox fur. From ancient times to the present, who has ever dared to say that fox fur is pure? Surely Sister Bao doesn't not recognize fox fur? You imperial merchants, do you really present the emperor with rabbit fur?"

Xue Baochai finally managed a fake smile: "Pin'er's mouth is truly something that makes one neither love nor hate it."

"Then I'll say one more thing." Lin Daiyu felt that her mind was racing so fast that she could hardly control her tongue.

"Although Sister Bao always says that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent and advises me not to study, you always want to show off your great talent and vast knowledge. You must have read the Records of the Grand Historian, right? 'A white fox fur coat is worth a thousand pieces of gold, unparalleled in the world.' The poet also wrote, 'A dappled horse, a thousand pieces of gold fur coat, call the boy to exchange them for fine wine.'"

Lin Daiyu looked at Xue Baochai and smiled, then said sarcastically, "Sister Baochai's talent is amazing, can you give me two more examples?"

It was already quite an achievement for Xue Baochai to maintain a smile. Fortunately, the maidservant heard something was wrong and hurriedly went in to find Yuanyang.

"What are you all talking about?" Yuanyang lifted the curtain and came over, smiling. "The old lady is getting hungry. Let's talk later."

"I'm hungry too." Lin Daiyu was the first to go in.

Xue Baochai's face fell, and Shi Xiangyun whispered in her ear, "What did she eat yesterday? She took a nap and then went mad."

For the first time, Xue Baochai felt that what this simple-minded fool said made sense.

Everyone sat down around the round table, and Grandmother Jia looked at the clothes Lin Daiyu was wearing.

She wanted to say something, but she was afraid of saying something inappropriate that might make people suspect her relationship with the Earl of Zhongyong.

But if I don't say it... I can't help it, I simply can't help it!

"The embroiderers in the Zhongyong Earl's mansion are quite skilled; they haven't wasted the good leather." Grandmother Jia commented on Lin Daiyu's new vest with her usual detached attitude.

“It wasn’t made by the Marquis of Zhongyong’s family,” Lin Daiyu said with a smile. “I went out in such a hurry yesterday that I didn’t wear warm clothes. This is Liao’s craftsmanship. Does Grandmother know Liao’s?”

"How could I not know Liao's?" Grandmother Jia said with a smile, "Their craftsmanship is indeed excellent. When I was young, I also liked their clothes, which were suitable for young girls. They used precious materials and the workmanship was exquisite. I remember there was a butterfly skirt back then, which was made of fine velvet as the base, with butterfly wings embroidered in various colors. They cut them out and sewed them onto the skirt. When you walked by, it looked like a butterfly fluttering. It was popular in the capital for three whole years. It's just that it's not as good as their craftsmanship and it's not as light and delicate."

Xue Baochai chimed in, "That's right, it's not easy to get even one."

Lin Daiyu covered her mouth in surprise: "Oh dear, they sent eight pieces of clothing yesterday, and Third Brother told me to keep them all."

This statement contained so much information that Grandmother Jia was unsure whether to start with the "eight items" or with "Third Brother".

This was the first time Lin Daiyu had addressed "Third Brother" so openly and respectfully in front of many people, especially in front of everyone in the Rongguo Mansion.

She felt very pleased, but judging from the expressions of those around her, including Baoyu, they didn't seem to be very happy.

Wouldn't that make you even happier?

Before, they were all happy, but I was the only one who was unhappy. Now, I'm happy, but they're all unhappy. What do you call that?

That's what makes us even happier.

"Third Brother..." Jia Baoyu repeated blankly, wondering to himself: Has she ever called me brother?

Jia Baoyu knew that the Earl of Zhongyong had asked Lin Daiyu to call him Third Brother, and he had heard about it, but he thought it was just a temporary measure. He never expected that she would actually say it, and with a smile.

Grandmother Jia's smile wasn't very natural, but because of the many wrinkles on her face, it wasn't very noticeable: "I've given you so many things, so I should be closer to you—and show you some respect. After all, you are a first-class earl."

The woman behind her, whether reminding Lin Daiyu or herself, said as she reached out her hand, and a maid helped her up. Then she added, "Eat first, I'm starving."

Lin Daiyu was also quite hungry. She only ate one bowl of porridge, but she ate quite a lot of various steamed dishes.

She had just given Xue Baochai a harsh lesson, and the other girl dared not speak. Shi Xiangyun glared at her, but it had no effect whatsoever.

The three sisters had grown up with her and were always on good terms. They wouldn't say much to each other in person, and with Jia Baoyu suddenly becoming sullen, the meal was eaten very quickly.

After the meal, everyone sat together, each holding a cup of hot tea, chatting idly.

"The New Year is almost here," Grandmother Jia suddenly sighed. "Look at your second sister-in-law Lian and your wife, they're so busy we can hardly see them."

Xue Baochai didn't dare to respond. Aunt Xue wasn't busy, but she only dared to come over with Lady Wang at dinner time. Otherwise, it would make her seem idle, and she was also afraid that Lady Wang would think that she was taking the opportunity to get close to Grandmother Jia.

Tan Chun laughed and said, "It's just as well that Sister Feng isn't here, so we can show off a bit. If she were here, we wouldn't be able to join in the conversation."

Once someone starts, it becomes much easier to continue.

After a few words, the topic turned to Lin Daiyu again.

"Although they are elders, it's not appropriate to accept too many things," Grandmother Jia said with a smile. "Our embroiderers are quite skilled, so just ask them to do whatever they need. Don't let them be idle."

In the past, Lin Daiyu would have just given a "yes" to get away with it, but today she suddenly didn't want to.

When she first came to the Jia family, although her second aunt always made things difficult for her, her maternal grandmother was indeed very good to her, giving her this and that every day. Sometimes she was even better than Baoyu.

But as the years went by, perhaps she got used to it, or perhaps her memory got worse, or perhaps there were other reasons, her grandmother stopped giving her instructions on some things.

If she wanted anything more, she would not only have to pay a reward, but also suffer from gossip, so she gradually stopped wanting it.

If my maternal grandmother can remember, then she has her own; if she can't, then it just passes by.

But there are still people who care about her. They can even handle small things like a seat cushion being too cold perfectly. She is not alone.

"Sigh, I wonder how much longer he can keep sending them." Lin Daiyu said meaningfully, "Since he's willing to give them, I'll accept them."

The Rongguo Mansion people were masters of making pointed remarks; with just a few words, they could change everyone's expression, even Lin Daiyu herself.

Although she was referring to the Rongguo Mansion, as soon as she said it, she couldn't help but wonder: How much longer can Third Brother deliver it?

The thought of this made Lin Daiyu feel a little apprehensive. But he had also said that he would accompany her to offer incense every year.

Third Brother is a man of his word.

Lin Daiyu smiled again and said, "The New Year is coming soon. My third brother said he would take me to the Great Buddha Hall to offer incense to my father and mother. We'll go on the 21st of the twelfth lunar month. There are only a few days left. After that, I'll become a vegetarian."

She had been in the Rongguo Mansion for so many years, and her maternal grandmother had never stopped her from offering incense. She would even prepare a clean room for her, but she always had to ask first, and she always had to do it secretly, as if she were a thief.

...It's like my maternal grandmother doesn't remember the anniversary of my father's death, nor the anniversary of my mother's death, or even my mother's birthday.

But Third Brother also said that we should say it directly.

She was very frank this time: "My father passed away on the third day of the ninth lunar month, and my mother passed away on the thirteenth day of the eleventh lunar month. I haven't been able to properly pay my respects to them all these years. Fortunately, I have my third brother. This time when I go to the Great Buddha Hall, I must burn some paper money properly."

This time, there was complete silence; even Grandmother Jia felt a bit choked up.

She rubbed her eyes, which quickly welled up with tears: "For so many years, I haven't dared to think too much about your mother. Whenever I think of her, I just... If only she were still alive. She was my most beloved daughter."

Everyone in the room rushed to comfort Grandmother Jia.

"Grandmother, please don't be sad."

"If your aunt were still alive, she wouldn't want you to be so heartbroken."

"Grandmother, please take care of yourself. Your sister still needs your care."

This scene reminded Lin Daiyu of the time when she first entered the Jia family mansion and Baoyu smashed the jade. She was the one who was frightened, but everyone else went to comfort Baoyu.

How similar it is to today.

It's like... there are no memorial tablets for her father and mother in the family, and she is the only one who remembers their birthdays and death anniversaries because her maternal grandmother was too sad and deliberately forgot them.

"If Mother were still alive...if Father were still alive..."

Lin Daiyu pursed her lips, feeling a little like crying, and she missed her third brother very much. Her third brother's arms were so warm, and the last time she cried in his arms, it was so warm.

Soon, Lin Daiyu was held in Grandmother Jia's arms and listened to a long speech: "You look just like your mother, and the more you grow up, the more you resemble her. Seeing you reminds me of your mother."

After Grandmother Jia was comforted, Lin Daiyu silently followed the others out, though she was mostly pretending.

Although Lin Daiyu still felt sad when she thought of her mother and father who had passed away many years ago, she was not so heartbroken that she could not even speak.

However, this also has its advantages; even Baoyu won't be so tactless as to insist on coming along.

After seeing her grandchildren off, Grandmother Jia's face darkened. She looked at Yuanyang and said, "She's blaming me. I told you to take good care of her, and to cover all her expenses like Baoyu's. If there's anything, just use my private treasury. If I can't remember anything, you have to remind me. That's what you did!"

Yuanyang was so frightened that she knelt down. Besides, it was the old matriarch who started it, the second wife who hinted at it overtly and covertly, and the step-by-step testing that led to this point. Furthermore, it was because of the loyal and brave Earl that Miss Lin became like this. But she did indeed become lax, and there was no explanation for that.

"It was my fault, please punish me, Ancestor."

Yuanyang knelt for a long time before Grandmother Jia finally spoke: "Go and find a clean room, and invite the memorial tablets of Min'er and Lin Ruhai for her to worship daily."

"Yes." Yuanyang hurriedly replied. Before she could leave, Grandmother Jia instructed, "Once everything is ready, tell them to eat vegetarian food for a few days and also to offer incense to their aunt and uncle."

After saying that, Grandmother Jia sighed again: "She is a young girl... I was afraid that she would worry too much, but I didn't mean for her to misunderstand."

The mandarin ducks were in trouble as soon as they came out.

A clean room? Where should I put the memorial tablet?

Miss Lin's courtyard only has five rooms, which is clearly not enough. Putting it in the Grand View Garden... after all, it is the garden of the Imperial Concubine, so it is definitely not appropriate.

But in other places... the Rongguo Mansion has a total of 1,500 male and female servants, so finding a quiet, empty room is really not easy.

Yuanyang then went to find Ping'er to see if she had any ideas.

Ping'er thought for a moment and said, "What do you think of Longcui Nunnery? It's a large place, and only Master Miaoyu lives there. Besides, it's a quiet place to enshrine two memorial tablets. I remember there's a Jade Emperor Temple behind Longcui Nunnery. If the main hall isn't suitable, we can enshrine them in the side rooms."

"I never thought of that!" Yuanyang immediately felt relieved. "I should have come to find you a long time ago. I've been feeling so bad."

Ping'er asked in a low voice, "Why did the old lady suddenly think of this?"

How could anyone answer that? Yuanyang whispered, "It's all that Zhongyong Earl's fault! He said he wanted to take Miss Lin to offer incense. Sigh, she was fine in previous years. The old matriarch was afraid she would worry too much, so she usually forbade her to mention these things. Besides, it's not good for a young girl to be facing the memorial tablet all day. It's all that Zhongyong Earl's fault!"

Ping'er didn't ask any further questions about what he said, which was half true and half false. She changed the subject and said, "We need to prepare the New Year's dishes. Has the old lady's taste changed this year? Which opera troupe should we hire? Tell me so I can have someone prepare them."

Yuanyang had just counted two items when she saw Wang Xifeng return, supported by two old women. She looked unwell, her smile was forced, and she spoke weakly.

Yuanyang hurriedly got up and helped Wang Xifeng lie down on the couch. Wang Xifeng held her hand and smiled, "Go back and tell the old lady that the matter has been settled. I went back to the Wang family specifically to ask my uncle's people to talk to the people in the Censorate. I waited until I got a reply before I came back. Next morning court, we will impeach the magistrate of Wanping County."

"Second Madam!" Yuanyang knew that if she stayed here, Wang Xifeng would have to keep a straight face and wouldn't be able to rest properly, so she only asked a couple of questions before quickly leaving.

Ping'er was terrified. She quickly took some ginseng slices and put them in her mouth, then took some pills, dissolved them, and gave them to her: "Why bother? It's your own body. Take it slow, it's the same."

"Who dares to neglect the orders given by our ancestor?" Wang Xifeng said weakly with her eyes closed, "Only by doing it properly can we have a good New Year."

Ping'er sat to one side, tears streaming down her face. Wang Xifeng asked again, "I didn't come back yesterday. Did Second Master ask me about it?"

Ping'er hesitated for a moment, but Wang Xifeng was so perceptive that she understood in that short hesitation: "Speak, is there anything we can't say to each other?"

"Second Master spent the night outside and didn't come back at all."

"So many vixens in the house, and they're so annoying. If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have—" Wang Xifeng sneered. Ping'er then advised, "Grandma, there's still a long way to go. Let's get your health back first."

Where can we raise them properly? Wang Xifeng looked at the patterns on the top of the curtain and sighed helplessly.

The court assemblies of the Great Wei Dynasty were divided into three types.

The first is the grand court assembly, such as on the first day of the Lunar New Year or the emperor's birthday. Not only officials in the capital, but also candidates for official positions in the capital, as well as nobles and those with titles, must attend.

The second type is the regular court ceremony, held every five or ten days, which requires all officials in the capital to attend.

The third type is the small court assembly, where the emperor summons specific officials to attend and discuss certain matters. This one doesn't have a fixed location; it usually takes place in the imperial study.

The 20th day of the twelfth lunar month was the usual court session. Because Ke Yuanqing had informed them in advance that he wanted to impeach Jia Zheng, Mu Chuan also attended the court session.

He stood at the front of the military officers' line, which was quite eye-catching.

Beside him were civil officials waiting to enter the hall, who couldn't help but whisper among themselves as they looked at him.

"Why did he come?" Even the Earl of Zhongyong dared not say it. Although it was self-deception, it showed how widely the merits of the Ministry of Revenue's gate had spread.

Minister of Revenue Mo Chushang was so serious that even the wrinkles on his face smoothed out: "Why can't the Earl of Zhongyong come? He is the Grand General of the Imperial Guard of the Daming Palace, a military officer of the second rank, with guards under his command. Isn't he a government official in the capital? Can't he attend court?"

As the only person who has personally experienced Mu Chuan's power—although he was too weak to experience the full version—Master Mo, adhering to the principle of "the stronger the opponent, the stronger I become," does not allow anyone to speak ill of Marquis Zhongyong in front of him.

Soon, a eunuch came and led the civil and military officials into the hall.

Once all the officials were in position, the emperor would enter the palace.

The emperor paused as soon as he entered, even covering half of his face with his dragon sleeve, and chuckled twice while coughing.

"This Qiao Yue is blocking everyone behind him from seeing anything, which makes it easier for them to slack off. I don't think we should let him stand at the very front."